G239: 5G Wireless High-Speed Interface Board for Various Rail Applications

Designed for communication in embedded and harsh environments like rail, the new G239 is a rugged CompactPCI Serial carrier board that provides 5G mobile communication features to 19” systems. Together with a powerful CPU, the G239 features various application possibilities, such as Internet-on-board, general back-office communication, live CCTV to control centers or predictive maintenance. It is designed for -40 °C to +85 °C operating temperature.

To use the wireless functionality, the interface board has three slots: two M.2 slots for 5G and one PCI Express Mini Card slot for WLAN. For 5G mobile communication the board is equipped with eight QLS antenna connectors (four connectors for each M.2 card) as well as up to three QLS antenna connectors for WLAN functionality. Additionally, a high-precision GNSS receiver is available for track accurate locating, as an example.

In the train communication system architecture, the G239 is typically located at the front end where it communicates directly with a cellular network. It features eight microSIM card slots to, e.g., save roaming costs when operating trains across borders, have as much data volume available as possible (by switching to the next SIM card when the volume is used up) or to optimize the connection by choosing the provider with the best network coverage in the region the train is passing.

Remote control of modems

In addition to the hardware, a user-friendly software tool is included for interacting with the interface board. The user is thereby able to remotely control which microSIM cards are connected to the modems and can remote power reset each modem.

Based on the CompactPCI Serial standard, the board is future-proof with high-speed serial interfaces.

Suited for mobility applications

The G239 is designed for -40 °C to +85 °C operating temperature and comes with conformal coating for a reliable operation in harsh and mobile environments. Additional long-term availability of the devices ensures an extended product life and is future-proof.